Maximize your impact by giving with The Chicago Community Trust.

The Trust offers many opportunities to explore the most pressing issues facing our communities, partner with like-minded donors, and support Trust initiatives that benefit the Chicago region and all who call it home.

We Connect Philanthropy to Impact

It’s what happens between when donations come in, and when organizations are funded, that makes The Chicago Community Trust experience truly unique.

  • The Trust fulfills an essential role at the heart of Chicago philanthropy. The depth and breadth of our knowledge of the region, as well as the national philanthropic landscape, is unparalleled.

  • Our philanthropic advisors work directly with you as a giving coach and dedicated partner to achieve your vision.

  • Our team has deep expertise in facilitating philanthropic gifts from the simple to the complex, ensuring that your giving is effective and aligned with your long-term goals.

  • Partner

    We will serve as your expert guide, and provide opportunities to partner in achieving transformational impact in our region.

    Make an Impact
  • Give

    From donor advised funds to impact investing and estate planning, we offer many options to support the causes you care most about.

    Ways to Give
  • Collaborate

    We work in consultation with professional advisors to structure giving plans that meet your clients’ unique financial and philanthropic goals.

    Work Together

Contact us to get started

info@cct.org 312-616-8000

Our Team

The Chicago Community Trust fulfills an essential role as the heart of Chicago philanthropy. When it comes to philanthropy, we love to collaborate.

Meet Our Team

Donor Stories & Giving Insights

“Partnering with the Trust aligns with our deep commitment to Chicago and to expanding opportunities for those who have historically not had access to the resources and social networks to advance their education and build wealth. It is critical for all of us to invest in ALL of our communities to ensure a better future for our city, our region, and our nation.”

Don and Liz Thompson, focusing their philanthropy on Education for Low Income Students

“When I think of the Trust, three words come to mind: flexible, efficient, dedicated.”

Dick Lang, partner at McDermott Will & Emery, focusing their philanthropy on wealth transfer and tax planning

“I chose the Trust as my philanthropic partner because the Trust was big enough, strong enough, old enough, and it was Chicago.”

Joe Pedott, focusing his philanthropy on College Access and Completion for Low Income, 1st Generation Students

Ways to Give

Whether you are an individual donor, a business, or a professional advisor, we have giving vehicles and resources to help you or your clients give smarter and achieve your charitable goals.

Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are charitable savings accounts that make giving simple and effective. Donors create a personal, named fund at any level, and can immediately begin making grants to charities of their choosing. The Trust provides administrative support and oversight of the fund’s assets.

Corporate Philanthropy

Corporate philanthropy, employee engagement, and social responsibility are critical for businesses to meet the expectations of their customers, employees, and other stakeholders. The Trust is uniquely positioned to bring organizations together and use our expertise and deep regional knowledge to catalyze your charitable impact.

Collaborative Giving

Direct your giving to our Chicago communities. The Trust offers a number of ways to address the most critical issues facing our region–including supporting the Trust’s strategy and initiatives.

Planning an Estate Gift

The Trust was built by philanthropists who wanted their legacy to be a stronger Chicago region, and that commitment continues today. We transform donor gifts from wills, trusts, and other vehicles into grants that fulfill your intentions and enable the Trust to respond to the most pressing needs of the community in perpetuity.